How can I cover ugly wallpaper in small room without stripping it off?

Here are a couple of options for you to consider: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/cover-up-old-wallpaper-thats-hard-off-88793.html

Bead board or dry wall.

https://www.hunker.com/13413769/how-to-cover-up-old-wallpaper

Hi Charlene if the wallpaper is in good shape you can paint over it. Start with a good primer and then move on to acrylic paint of your choice.

Always best to remove. You can paint it. Prime with Kilz primer then paint your color. Like painting regular walls.

You can paint over wallpaper but you will undoubtedly see the seams when you paint. Any kind of decent primer works then probably 2 coats of paint depending on how colorful your paper is.

I just stripped my laundry room and it isn't hard just time consuming. I Just found a seam, started to pick the top layer off and then start with a very wet rag to dampen the under paper. It is like construction paper. The wetter you get the paper the easier it is to peel. Do small areas at a time for a few days and before you know it you are done. Scrub the glue off of the wall and paint.

I always have removed the paper for a nice flat looking paint job.

To add to Em's post, I agree on the seams and it's not that difficult to remove. Here's the steps I use. Similar to her post but with more detail & some options for helping the glue to dissolve.

Peel as much as possible from the walls.

If you can't get to the backing, you may need to score the paper with a tool. Paper Tiger is easy to find. Light pressure because you don't want to damage the wall behind the paper.

Mix 50/50 fabric softener & warm water in a spray bottle or garden sprayer. I've read that vinegar is as effective but I have never used it.

Allow the mixture to sit for 5 - 10 minutes so that it saturates the adhesive on the paper backing.

Scrape with a plastic scraper.

Once it is all removed, wash the walls with warm soapy water (blue Dawn is my go-to) and a microfiber cloth.

You can also put new paper over the old, as long as it isn't peeling. Just wipe down with soapy water to prep first.

Paint over it! Use a flat paint to hide any imperfections and make sure the seams are all secure before you start.

Unless the wall paper is in perfect condition the seams will show. You will get the best final result if you start with a good surface. I know it would be easier to paint over the wall paper but that doesn't always work out.